At 08:37 AM 11/10/98 -0800, you wrote:

>Come on everybody! Lets relax and enjoy the birds! If we can't discuss
>other issues without rage and bigotry than let us not waste our breath and
>everyone's download time. There are more important things in life, as my
>30 year-old friend who is dying of cancer would tell you.
>
>Come on! Be NICE and have FUN!
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Bonnie Stout

I can understand the intent of your note but I can also understand the
intensity of the reactions. This question comes up too often. There are
many people and organizations that are trying to change the education
system so science education matches their religious beliefs and their
science fears. This is not just an academic question. Those of us who
understand that the only way to understand biology is through a thorough
understanding of evolutionary sciences are concerned with the many forces
that are trying to destroy that type of education. It requires a constant
vigilence to keep track of these forces so we can manage to keep the U.S.
somewhat involved with modern science. It is difficult to remain polite and
considerate with people who are determined to undermind the education
effort. If they wanted to just go off and talk to themselves that would be
fine but they keep trying to make in-roads into the education system and
that is when they cross the line, in my opinion, and to me it is not a
matter of being nice or having any kind of fun. It is quite serious.

Jim Rosso
Jim Rosso
Issaquah, Washington
425-392-8440
jrosso at mediaseek.com